Swiss Protection Socks from Swiss Barefoot have created a sock for outdoor use. Similar to the likes of Injinji and ToeToe in the sense that the sock has individual pockets for your toes, the Swiss Protection Socks are designed to give you that barefoot feel, whilst giving you complete protection from gnarly bits and pieces that could potentially harm your precious feet.

“Please take your socks off before you come in”

Of the socks, SB claim these are “the first firm socks for the ultimate barefoot feeling without the risk of injury from sharp objects”. Having researched these further, not only do Swiss Barefoot recommend them for walking an running, but for a whole host of activities: rock climbing and water sports!

“What a pair”

The socks are made from 50% Kevlar (the cut-resistant stuff used in ropes and bullet-proof jackets), 32% polyester, 10% cotton, and 8% Spandex, with eco-friendly PVC laminated in to the sole

“Will anyone cotton on to this craze?”

Price Tag

At 55 Euros (£48, $75) for the ‘sockette’ and 59 Euros (£51, £81) for the full protection sock – they are certainly not cheap. Are they worth it? Would you pay that?

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Not sure about barefoot running? If only there was a way of going half-barefoot to see if you like it…

Drum roll please. Enter: The Freeheel Running Pad.

Winner of the ISPO Award 2012, the Running Pad is designed and manufactured by Starringer in beautiful Bavaria, Germany. Starringer claim the Running Pad is of minimal weight, protecting the foot only where it is needed, and is a great alternative for long-distance and high temperature runs.

The Freeheel Running Pad

The barefoot revolution has certainly brought us some of the most peculiar-looking shoes over the last four years (think Vibram FiveFingers, One Moment, ZEMgear), but the Freewheel Running Pad is certainly the most bizarre. It is genuinely innovative. It’s neither a shoe, nor a sandal. It’s not a glove, nor a hoof.

From the top, you could easily mistake the Running Pad for a sandal. Very similar to a Birkenstock. I particularly like the use of the straps – very trendy. But then we look at the side profile. The sandal has no sole under the heel, nor does it have anything to wrap around the back of your foot.

Would you dip your toe?

The Archer

Now I haven’t tested this ‘shoe’, and the jury is out on how they would perform, but I really fancy having a go at these. To me, they look like something you’d see on a half-horse/half man. As a Sagittarius, my Zodiac symbol is the archer – maybe that’s why I am attracted to them…

“I’ll have two pairs, please”

A little more:

Improves muscle strength/coordination lower extremities

Higher running efficiency as compared to heel striking

Optimal foot climate compared to other “barefoot shoes”.

Back to the roots – like in telemarking “free heel” & snow shoe “free-heel”

No need to squeeze your toes in little pockets

Water & gravel in & out!

no length adjustment needed – select from small/medium/large depending on the width of your fore/midfoot.

Welcome to a quick blog post to present two relatively new, relatively similar barefoot shoes that are worth sharing.

Iguaneye

I have just stumbled across a new brand of barefoot / minimal shoes ‘Iguaneye’, based in Lyon, France. They have developed am ultra-minimalist shoe inspired by Amazonian tribes.

Here is a little more about the shoe:

“The shape of the Iguaneye has been created to perfectly conform to the contours of your feet. The anatomic form has been custom-made by Dulster Design and provides a supportive, secure and extremely comfortable fit. Unlike flip-flops, the piece that parts the toes is placed 1 cm ahead. Just like a second-skin, Iguaneyes perfectly fit all your movements and do not cause irritation.”

The advanced elastomer used for the main part is neutral, hypoallergenic, soft and very flexible. It is also 100% recyclable.”

It’s also worth adding that Iguaneye achieved their funding through Kickstarter – an online funding platform for start-ups. Well done! Here is Olivier talking us through the shoe: http://vimeo.com/54534013

Iguaneye’s Ultra-Minimal Shoe

One Moment (O1M)

How many of you have heard of One Moment?

Based in Valencia, Spain – They manufacture an extremely minimal shoe that is 100% biodegradable. This shoe comes in all sorts of colours, lipstick red, lime green – very ‘Euro’. I’ve tested these out, and while they are not ideal for running in – they ARE great for general use: walking, at work, lounging… These shoes were also created from the ancient practice of latex-clad tribal feet.

I Can See A Rainbow:The One Moment Range

Iguaneye vs One Moment – Make up your own mind

They are both biodegrable / recyclable

Both inspired by Amazonian foot-dippers

Iguaneye costs 49 Euros (£42, $67)

O1M cost 10 Euros (£8, $13)

Iguaneye look more ‘acceptable’

O1M have a wider range of colours

Feetus will be stocking a range of O1M shoes!

I’m keen to learn what others think of the Iguaneye and One Moment shoes. Is there a place for these in the market? Would you buy them? Are Iguaneye entering the market at a too-high price point? What do you like / dislike about these shoes?

I heard from Saucony earlier this month that they are discontinuing the Hattori. This came as a massive shock to me, as I am a massive Hattori fan – often using this super-lightweight minimal firecracker for my 5K’s. Having raved on about it to many friends and colleagues in the past, many others also use this shoe as their weapon of choice.

Farewell Hattori

Today, I met with Matt from Saucony, who brought with him two huge luggage bags full of shoes. Jaw-dropping stuff.

The Saucony Virrata

I am pleased to say that, although we’re sadly going to see the last of the Hattori and the laced-up Hattori LC, the shoe that will replace this is right on par. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Virrata.

Introducing the Saucony Virrata

Now I know this isn’t groundbreaking news – but this was my first in-person view of the Virrata. Slightly similar to the popular Kinvara 3, the Virrata weighs less (184g for a men’s size 9). If I had only looked at the sole I would have bet my money that it was the sole of a Hattori – same colour, material, and very similar tread pattern (a triangular lug design). Very flexible too…

The Virrata offers a good deal of room in the toe box, which is essential for good, natural running form. There is zero drop (0mm) from heel to toe making it a good option for barefoot and minimal running shoe lovers. The upper is also very breathable, with its mono mesh, and looks the part too with its reflective details.

In Rainbows

Saucony’s full range of shoes could almost be classed as psychedelic. There are barely any sensible colour options (black/black). Triathletes will love this colour-pumped ‘look-at-me’ range (as do I), but I do wonder if the distinct lack of ‘sensible’ colour schemes may put a number of people off. Time will tell.

The Kinvara TR2

For me, the star of the show was the Kinvara TR2: Very easy on the eye, looks geared for maximum performance on the trails, and features a minimal 4mm offset from heel to toe. Can’t wait to get my hands on a pair in my size!!

Running Porn: The Saucony Kinvara TR2

Another One To Watch: The Saucony Unleash SD

This is not one I have seen in the flesh – but the Saucony Unleash SD looks realy nice. Although it is a shoe designed for shot put, discus and hammer throwers, I think this shoe looks really cool, similar in style to the Hattori. I wonder if it’s suitable for running? What do you think?

The Saucony Unleash SD – Can you run in these?

I’ll post some post-run reviews of these beauties in the near future. In the meantime, stay tuned: Facebook and Twitter

This is an opportunity of a life-time for all you trail runners! Is it wrong to call it a trail runner’s wet dream? Perhaps, but please withhold judgement until you have read this:

TORQ is looking for runners who will join the TORQ Trail Team for 2013 and enjoy many of the benefits of a professional running team.
Anyone who is committed to running on the trails and exploring the outdoors – as well as their own limits – is encouraged to apply to be part of the team: this is not just for elite runners.
Those successful in being selected for the team will spend a year as part of the TORQ Trail Team, with many of the benefits usually only available to professional teams, including:

A nutritional assessment and nutrition products from TORQ Fitness

Team-branded kit for training and racing

A three day training and preparation trip running in the Alps on the UTMB course around Chamonix from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd June 2013

Don’t forget – Feetus.co.uk goes live very soon. Keep up to date with us on Facebook and Twitter to take advantage of some fantastic competitions PLUS some exclusive discounts: Feetus on Facebook and Feetus on Twitter